Australia’s grip on the Ashes tightened emphatically in Adelaide as the hosts wrapped up the urn inside just 11 days, surging to an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-Test series against England. An 82-run victory in the third Test not only confirmed Australia’s dominance on home soil once again, but also underlined the growing gulf between the two sides, with individual brilliance and ruthless execution proving decisive throughout the contest.
Bowling England out for 353 on Sunday morning, Australia calmly completed the job they had set up over the previous four days. Mitchell Starc led the charge late, claiming three wickets on the final day to ensure there would be no dramatic twist. The result continued a bleak trend for England, who have now gone more than a decade without winning an Ashes series and have not tasted success in Australia since January 2011. That drought will stretch on until at least 2027, further amplifying scrutiny on England’s approach and personnel.
While celebrations flowed for the home side, there was also a note of concern, with Australia anxiously monitoring the fitness of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. The 38-year-old was forced from the field with a hamstring injury late in the match, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the series. With the fourth Test set to begin at the MCG on Boxing Day, selection conversations are already intensifying despite Australia having already sealed the series.
The Adelaide Test was shaped by commanding performances from several Australians, none more so than hometown heroes Travis Head and Alex Carey, who both produced career-defining displays in front of friends, family and a raucous local crowd.
Travis Head — 10
10 and 170, 0-61
The return of Travis Head to Adelaide Oval felt almost inevitable in its outcome. Once again, the South Australian relished the familiar surroundings, dismantling England’s bowlers with authority and flair. Head’s second-innings century was his fourth consecutive hundred at his home ground, a remarkable streak that further cemented his reputation as a big-game player.
His 170 on Friday afternoon was the defining innings of the Test, extinguishing any lingering English hope and burying the much-discussed Bazball philosophy under a mountain of runs. Beyond his batting, Head also contributed with tidy off-spin in the fourth innings, reinforcing his value as a multi-skilled option. Performances like this all but guarantee his place at the top of the order for the foreseeable future.
Jake Weatherald — 3
18 and 1
Weatherald’s baptism at Test level continued to be a challenging one. After a promising start in the first innings, he was undone by a sharp Jofra Archer bumper, gloving through to the wicketkeeper. His second-innings dismissal was even more frustrating, as he declined to review an LBW decision that pitched outside leg stump — a costly error that underlined his inexperience.
Alarmingly, it marked his third LBW dismissal of the series, shining a spotlight on a potential technical flaw. With pressure mounting and competition for spots fierce, Weatherald will need to respond quickly to remain in contention.
Marnus Labuschagne — 3
19 and 13
Labuschagne’s struggles with the bat continued in Adelaide, with his first-innings dismissal attracting heavy criticism. A loose pull shot straight after lunch gifted England a crucial wicket and disrupted Australia’s momentum. He fared little better in the second innings, scratching around before falling to Josh Tongue.
However, Labuschagne partially redeemed himself in the field. His pair of one-handed screamers in the slips during England’s chase were among the highlights of the match, including the vital dismissal of Will Jacks. While his catching brilliance remains elite, Australia will be eager to see their prolific run-scorer rediscover form with the bat.
Usman Khawaja — 8
82 and 40
Khawaja’s return to the XI was unexpected, sparked by Steve Smith’s vertigo issues, but the veteran seized his opportunity. Providing calm and control at the top, Khawaja’s contributions in both innings were vital in building Australia’s advantage.
There were moments of recklessness — a slog-sweep dismissal on day one and a loose cut shot later in the match — yet his overall impact was undeniable. With Smith expected to return at the MCG, selectors face a difficult call on whether Khawaja’s resurgence earns him an extended run.
Cameron Green — 2
0 and 7, 1-33 and 0-44
Adelaide was a tough outing for Cameron Green, whose position in the side is now under serious threat. Two soft dismissals with the bat added to growing concerns about his form, despite a valuable wicket of Harry Brook in the first innings.
With Beau Webster looming as an alternative all-rounder, Green’s margin for error is shrinking rapidly. The Boxing Day Test may prove pivotal for his immediate Test future.
Alex Carey — 10
106 and 72, six catches and a stumping
Player of the match honours were richly deserved for Carey, who delivered a flawless performance behind the stumps and with the bat. His first-innings century, his third in Test cricket, laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance, while his second-innings 72 alongside Travis Head completely shattered England’s hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Carey’s series has been one of consistency and confidence, highlighted by a new record for most runs by a wicketkeeper in a men’s Ashes Test. His glovework was equally exceptional, reinforcing his status as one of the world’s premier wicketkeepers.
Josh Inglis — 4
32 and 10
Inglis showed promise early but failed to convert starts into meaningful scores, falling to Josh Tongue in both innings. With Steve Smith poised to return, Inglis may find himself vulnerable when Australia finalise their XI for Melbourne.
Pat Cummins — 9
3-69 and 3-48
Back from a back injury, Cummins delivered a captain’s performance, immediately reminding Australia of his importance. He ripped through England’s top order in both innings and once again asserted dominance over Joe Root, dismissing the star batter twice in near-identical fashion.
Cummins’ rhythm, intensity and leadership were hallmarks of Australia’s control throughout the Test, and his seamless return was a major boost ahead of the MCG clash.
Mitchell Starc — 8
1-61 and 3-62
While not as devastating as in earlier Tests, Starc still played a crucial role. His dismissal of Ben Stokes on Friday morning was pivotal, and his late burst on day four ensured England’s tail offered little resistance. A valuable first-innings half-century added further frustration for the tourists.
Nathan Lyon — 8
2-70 and 3-77
Lyon’s return to the side was dramatic and immediately impactful, striking twice in his opening over to dismantle England’s top order. After a difficult middle phase, he found assistance from the turning Adelaide surface in the fourth innings, playing a key role in sealing the series.
His dismissals of Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes evoked memories of Shane Warne’s greatest moments. However, his hamstring injury now looms as a major concern heading into the final two Tests.
Scott Boland — 8
3-45 and 1-35
Boland was relentless, maintaining immaculate lines and lengths across both innings. Though he lacked top-order wickets, his miserly economy rate strangled England’s scoring. Fittingly, it was Boland who claimed the final wicket on Sunday, officially securing the Ashes and capping another disciplined performance.
With the urn already in Australian hands, attention now turns to Melbourne, where pride, momentum and selection battles will shape the remainder of the series.
